Sustainable Gifts 2024: Shop By Impact!
Shop our 2024 Christmas Gift Guide for sustainable gifts that create joy and make an impact. Vegan, ocean-friendly, carbon neutral & more!
Estimated Read Time: 8 minutes
What impact do you want your gifts to have this year?
To make a loved one smile? To show someone you care? To celebrate the spirit of giving, in a way that honors people and the planet?
Amid the hustle of holiday shopping lists and overcrowded malls, we often forget why we’re buying gifts in the first place. But at ZeroWasteStore, we believe every gift is a chance to create joy with intention.
This year, our 2024 Christmas Gift Guide invites you to shop by impact, making it easier than ever to align your holiday choices with the causes closest to your heart.
Whether you’re passionate about reducing plastic waste, protecting the oceans, or giving new life to upcycled materials, each product in this guide drives meaningful change.
Ready to discover the 17 sustainable gifts that made it to our "nice list" this year?
Contents
- What Are Sustainable Gifts? And Why Should I Care?
- How To Shop For Sustainable Gifts
- 17 Sustainable Gifts By Impact
- Gifts That Give Back
- Ocean-Friendly Gifts
- Vegan Gifts
- Upcycled Gifts
- Gifts From Carbon Neutral Brands
- Zero Waste Gifts
- Shop By Impact Today
What Are Sustainable Gifts? And Why Should I Care?
Sustainable gifts are thoughtfully designed, sourced, or made to create a positive impact on both the environment and society. And that really matters at this time of year.
Americans collectively throw away 25 million tons of EXTRA waste during the holiday season, much of which comes from gifts and packaging that end up in the trash faster than Santa can slide down a chimney!
By choosing sustainable gifts, you’re sending a meaningful message: You care about the planet, the people behind the products, and the long-term impact of what you buy. It's a way to express your values and inspire others to shop more consciously.
Plus, sustainable gift-giving supports small businesses and local artisans who prioritize eco-friendly practices. When you shop from them, you're not just buying a product, you’re backing a movement and helping build a more sustainable economy.
How To Shop For Sustainable Gifts
While “sustainable” can cover a lot of ground, thinking about the causes closest to your heart (and the recipient’s) will help you choose gifts that truly resonate.
Ask yourself:
- Do I want to minimize waste with zero-waste packaging or reusable products?
- Should I focus on reducing carbon footprints through eco-conscious brands?
- Am I (or the recipient) passionate about vegan-friendly options?
- Do I want to support NGOs or fair trade businesses that give back?
- Would I rather gift something meaningful that lasts a lifetime?
When you shop with impact in mind, every gift becomes an opportunity to spread joy and spark positive change.
So, let’s make this holiday season one to remember—filled with meaningful presents, conscious choices, and sustainable cheer!
17 Sustainable Gifts By Impact
These gifts are thoughtfully curated to suit every interest, budget, and—most importantly—impact. We’ve sorted them into easy-to-navigate categories, so you can quickly find gifts that align with the causes you care about most.
Dive into the descriptions below to discover how each gift spreads joy while doing good.
Gifts That Give Back
What if your gift could spread joy far beyond the recipient? These thoughtful picks give back to people and communities by donating a portion of every purchase. So, the smile you bring to a loved one will also light up the lives of others, reaching people you may never meet, but whose futures will be brighter thanks to your kindness.
1. Scoria Organic Cotton Yoga Strap
$12.00
For the Yogis in your life, elevate their practice with this organic yoga strap made from 100% GOTS Certified Cotton. It’s durable and versatile, so they can Down Dog for years to come.
Impact: For every strap sold, Scoria donates 6 meals to those in need through Feeding Children Everywhere!
View Details2. Blue Heron Botanicals Lip Therapy Balm Set
$54.99
Give the gift of soft, nourished lips with these Lip Therapy Balms. Made with organic shea and cocoa butters and enriched with essential oils, these balms heal, hydrate, and protect, perfect for keeping lips smooth and supple all winter long.
Impact: A baby sea turtle is saved for every purchase (this pack saves 6!)
View Details
3. Terra Thread Organic Cotton Beanie
$24.95
Buying clothes for other people can be risky, but a cozy classic beanie suits everyone’s style! Made from organic and fair trade cotton, keep your loved one feeling warm and looking cool.
Impact: Each purchase gives back by donating to Feeding America.
View Details(Bonus sustainable gifting tip: Only buy clothes for someone if you know their size and style - returns have a huge carbon footprint and often go straight to landfills!)
As 1% for the Planet Members, we donate a percent of every purchase to environmental causes, meaning every one of your ZeroWasteStore purchases gives back to the planet and people!
Ocean-Friendly Gifts
Are you - or the recipient - happiest by the ocean? Then it’s time to make sure your gifts reflect that! Plastic waste is expected to almost triple by 2060 and these brands are doing their bit to help change that, so we can enjoy a dip in the sea for generations to come.
4. Earth Harbor Glow On Skincare Set
$48.99
Got a beauty lover on your list? This Earth Harbor kit features all their bestselling products for a complete skincare routine, with clean, ocean-inspired formulas that are as gentle on the planet as they are on your skin.
Impact: Earth Harbor is dedicated to protecting marine life and oceans around the world. Founded by a Toxilogist and herbalist, they’re climate-neutral, plastic-negative, and offer refill options.
View Details
5. 4Ocean Signature Bracelet
$24.00
Our friends at 4Oceans craft gorgeous handmade bracelets from recycled ocean plastic by their dedicated crews. This gift is a symbol of love and commitment to the ocean that can be worn every day.
Impact: For every 4Ocean bracelet purchased, 5 pounds of waste will be taken out of the oceans, rivers, and coastlines.
View Details6. ZWS Essentials Zero Waste Tote Bag Kit
$37.49
This kit is the perfect stocking stuffer, with reusable (and adorable!) alternatives to plastic bags. Perfect for weekend market trips together, to protect your goods with non-toxic, washable, and reusable organic cotton.
Impact: Saves plastic bags, which eventually end up in waterways and harm marine life!
View Details
Vegan Gifts
Researchers have found veganism is one of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint! Whether your loved one is already plant-based or prepping for Veganuary, pick from these animal-friendly gifts (remember vegan goes beyond the kitchen!).
7. River Organics Bloom Creamy Vegan Blush Stick
$22.99
This gorgeous zero-waste blush stick goes on super smooth, with a buildable tint to create their desired look. It comes in 3 colors, suitable for every skin tone.
Impact: It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and comes in a compostable tube!
View Details8. Suds & Eco Sunshine Bathroom Bundle
From $63.99
For the friend that always brings the sunshine vibes, treat them to a sweet-smelling bundle that includes bestselling shampoo and conditioner bars, soap bar, and decadent body butter.
Impact: The zero-waste bars can replace up to 3 liquid bottles! They’re vegan, cruelty-free, and made from natural ingredients. The boxes are compostable, and the aluminum tube can be recycled or reused.
View Details
9. Beeswrap Beeswax Food Wraps
$19.99
Both a plastic-free alternative to plastic wrap and a vegan alternative to beeswax wraps, these vegan food wraps can be used to keep herbs fresh, wrap baked goods, or cover a bowl - plus they come in adorable designs!
Impact: Made from organic cotton, plant-based wax, organic plant oil, and tree resin, these wraps can last up to a year and be composted at the end of life.
View DetailsUpcycled Gifts
Why settle for ordinary when you can give a unique gift that tells a story? Upcycled gifts breathe new life into discarded materials, transforming them into unique, one-of-a-kind treasures. Not only do these items help reduce waste and promote sustainability, but they also support creativity and craftsmanship.
10. United by Blue (R)evolution, 25L Convertible Carryall
$118.00
Stuck on what to buy the person who has it all? Get them a bag that does it all! A tote bag, backpack, and laptop bag all-in-one, this (R)revolution bag is made from recycled polyester and recycled nylon.
Impact: For every product purchased, United by Blue removes 1 pound of trash from our waterways.
View Details
11. Repots 100% Recycled Plastic Planter Pots
From $65.00
Plant parents will love these unique pots designed to reduce ocean and landfill waste. Choose from three styles to suit their gardening needs, whether it’s bringing the outdoors indoors, or perfecting the front yard.
Impact: They’re crafted from 100% recycled maritime materials, like fishing nets, trawls, and ropes.
View Details12. Wellthy Recycled Paperclip Chain Necklace
$85.00
For a delicate and dainty gift, take a look at this keepsake necklace and bracelet by Wellthy. They can be worn effortlessly every day to remind the person of how much they mean to you.
Impact: They’re made from 100% recycled metals reclaimed from post-consumer paperclips.
View Details
Gifts From Carbon-Neutral Brands
These brands offset their carbon footprint, ensuring that the environmental impact of production, shipping, and disposal is minimized. Shop sustainable gifts that contribute to a greener tomorrow.
13. Better Battery Co. Better Battery Pack
$44.99
Gifting something that requires batteries? Pair it with this sustainable solution. Certified carbon neutral and delivered to your door on your schedule, The Better Battery Co. offers a wide range of fully recyclable battery packs, including the Better Battery Pack, designed to keep you fully charged for many months.
Impact: When the recipient has finished with them, tell them to send them back to Better Battery and they’ll be fully recycled for free. Using their technology, every part of the battery and its packaging is broken down and used for other products.
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14. Izzy Zero Waste Beauty Recyclable Mascara
$39.00
The make-up lover in your life won’t believe their eyes when they see the world's first reusable, recyclable, closed-loop, and certified climate-neutral mascara! 3 months after your purchase, you can return your empty mascara tube in the prepaid reusable shipper. It will go through a sanitation and recycling process and be reused up to 10,000 times.
Impact: Proceeds from each purchase will be donated to foundations creating a brighter future for tomorrow.
View DetailsZero Waste Gifts
Of course, we had to include a zero-waste category– we are ZeroWasteStore after all! These presents are designed to minimize waste and encourage sustainability, whether through reusable items, compostable packaging, or products that promote a low-waste lifestyle.
15. ZWS Essentials Zero Waste Starter Kit
$99.99
If you know someone dipping their toes in the world of zero waste, help them dive all in with this complete starter kit. It contains 16 bestselling products by ZWS Essential and Suds & Eco products, across the Kitchen, Bathroom, Laundry, and On-the-Go to help you cut back on plastic waste.
Impact: 100% plastic-free, creating zero-waste routines for years to come!
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16. ZWS Essentials Self-Care Mini Kit
$42.99
Self-care isn’t selfish…especially when it’s sustainable! Give the gift of a mindful self-care routine, inspired by two traditional Japanese practices that stimulate natural detoxification and lymphatic drainage. This bundle contains a dry brush and your choice of jade or rose quartz gua sha.
Impact: Natural and reusable skincare solutions. The dry brush can be composted at the end of life.
View Details17. ZWS Essentials Zero Waste Hair Care Mini Kit
$47.46
Make the switch from bottles to bars easier than ever with this mini kit, complete with salon-quality shampoo and conditioner bars, an agave soap saver bag, and a plastic-free soap dish. Pick the perfect bars for their hair type!
Impact: Each bar can replace up to 3 plastic 16 oz shampoo and conditioner bottles!
View Details
Shop By Impact Today
This guide offers impactful and sustainable gift options for every interest and budget, proving that holiday shopping can be joyful and meaningful, not stressful and hectic!
To explore more sustainable hacks and celebrate with us at ZeroWasteStore, check out our Holiday Page.
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